"This is catching me at what could not be a worse time when I’m about to graduate. I'm continuing my studies and without my flute it's just not possible," said the woman who asked not to be identified.

A man was seen by a surveillance camera picking up the case from the center platform bench and walking away with it.

"If by miracle someone will return what was originally a part of my life, I will forever be indebted," she said.

Anyone who recognizes the man in the surveillance images or has information about the case is asked to call Transit Police Detectives at 617-222-1050, send a message through the MBTA SeeSay smartphone app or send an anonymous text to 873873.